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The Absolute Best Time to Visit Bear Lake

While there is never a bad time to visit the beautiful Bear Lake, the best time depends on what adventures you seek. Summer reigns supreme if you want to bask in the sun on the blue waters. However, fall, winter, and spring all offer their own unique offerings, from winter sports to fishing, birdwatching, and more. 

Here is our guide to the best time to visit Bear Lake, depending on what type of vacation you are looking for. Whenever you decide to make the journey, our luxury vacation homes are waiting for you.

Summer

If you dream of a sun-soaked vacation, summer is the best time to visit Bear Lake. With average air temperatures hovering in the 70s and 80s and lake temps at a refreshing 68-72 degrees, it’s the perfect time to be out on the water and enjoy the sandy beaches of the lake. 

The summer months offer fun on the beach, water adventures, and a lively atmosphere. Although it’s the busiest season, it presents a magical time on the lake. 

Summer Activities in Bear Lake

Boating

Grab a boat rental and enjoy cruising the sparkling waters of Bear Lake. The 20-mile-long and 8-mile-wide lake also offers plenty of opportunities for waterskiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. 

Non-motorized water sports

Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

The sparkling emerald waters of Bear Lake are generally calm during the summer making for a perfect place to grab a kayaking or stand-up paddleboard rental. 

Paris Ice Cave

Located about twenty minutes from Garden City in the Cache National Forest, the ice in these caves infamously never completely melts – even during the warmest summers. Explore the incredible underground Paris Ice Cave, full of icicles and unique limestone rock formations. 

Minnetonka Cave

Photo Credit: Rawpixel via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

Between Memorial and Labour Day weekends, you can explore the Minnetonka Caves, one of Idaho’s largest limestone cave formations. This experience offers a great reprieve from the warm weather. 

Beach time

Don’t miss the incredible Bear Lake beaches that easily rival those of any coastal destination! The pristine beaches surrounding the lake feature surprisingly white sand and calm shores. 

Summer Events in Bear Lake

  • Raspberry Days: Experience this full-on raspberry fest every August, featuring parades, live music, games, and delicious raspberries. 
  • Bear Lake Car Show: If you love classic cars, you won’t want to miss the Bear Lake Car Show in July.
  • Bear Lake Monster Swim: Participate or spectate this fun annual race across Bear Lake.

Fall

When the summer crowds dissipate, and the heat subsides, fall brings a quiet charm to Bear Lake. Daytime temperatures range from the low 60s to mid-70s, with cooler evenings, making it ideal for outdoor activities that might otherwise be too hot for summer. The lake’s forests explode into shades of red, orange, and yellow foliage and make for a great time to get outside and explore Bear Lake’s picturesque scenery.

Fall is the best time of year to visit Bear Lake if you want to experience a quieter, more peaceful Bear Lake and still participate in a variety of fun outdoor activities.

Fall Activities in Bear Lake

Hiking and biking

Fall is the perfect time to explore the stunning trails around Bear Lake. Some of our favorites include: 

Horseback riding

Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

There’s nothing quite as serene and grounding as horseback riding around Bear Lake. If you own horses, Logan Canyon, Cache National Forest, and Caribou National Forest are all fantastic places to take your horses and ride. You can also book a guided riding tour through Pony Express Horseback Rides. 

Wildlife watching

Fall is the perfect time to grab your binoculars and look for several species of migrating birds, as well as moose, mule deer, foxes, minks, salamanders, and snakes, as they prepare for winter.

Fall foliage

Photo Credit: Bicycling via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

Take a drive along the Bear Lake Scenic Byway to witness stunning foliage. This winding road takes you through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the western United States, with rolling hills, sparkling lakes and bountiful forests as far as the eye can see..

Fishing

Photo Credit: Patrick Lewis via Flickr CC 2.0

There’s something magical about fall fishing around Bear Lake. With the summer crowds gone, the waters calm down, and the fish tend to get a little more cooperative. There are a variety of fish to be caught, including cutthroat trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, and whitefish. 

Fall Events in Bear Lake

Winter

Winter transforms Bear Lake into a snowy wonderland, with temperatures often dropping below freezing. If you don’t mind the cold, winter is the perfect time to visit Bear Lake for fun winter sports and cozy nights spent in your Bear Lake luxury rental. 

Winter Activities in Bear Lake

Snowmobiling

Photo Credit: Rawpixel via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

This small lake community is home to over 350 miles of snowmobiling trails catering to beginners and seasoned riders, with ample opportunities for deep powder thrills and scenic cruises. There are ample opportunities to grab a rental for a guided tour as well!

Ice fishing

The fishing fun doesn’t have to end as the seasons change- Bear Lake freezes over 80% of winter seasons, providing the perfect setting for ice fishing for Bear Lake Cutthroat Trout. 

Sleigh rides

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

To get into the winter holiday spirit, you can take a magical ride in a horse-drawn sleigh. Picture a picturesque winter wonderland with snow-covered trees and twinkling lights. Now imagine being pulled along in a cozy sleigh by a majestic horse, the only sound coming from jingling bells. From romantic excursions under the starry skies to family fun with the kids, a sleigh ride in Bear Lake is something everyone should experience at least once.

Downhill skiing and snowboarding

Photo Credit: Rawpixel via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

Downhill skiing and snowboarding are some of the most popular pastimes in Bear Lake. Some of the closest mountains include the Beaver Mountain Ski Area and the Pine Creek Ski Resort.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing

Additionally, the wilderness surrounding Bear Lake offers the perfect destination for cross-country skiing and exploring. 

Soak in a hot spring

After a day on the slopes or out exploring the backcountry, nothing soothes your muscles like soaking in the 100-degree Bear Lake Hot Springs in North Beach.

Winter Events in Bear Lake

  • Bear Lake Monster Winterfest: This is a family-friendly, annual festival every January that includes fun events like free opportunities to try winter gear, a 5k, a polar plunge, and a chili cook-off!

Spring

Springtime at Bear Lake brings new life, fresh blooms, and a host of fun outdoor activities. This is the best time to visit Bear Lake if you want to beat the crowds, and still experience the natural beauty of Bear Lake. 

If you want to experience Bear Lake before the summer crowds, spring is one of the best times to visit Bear Lake. You’ll have ample opportunities to get outdoors, explore, and spot both wildflowers and wildlife.

Spring Activities in Bear Lake

Fishing

Spring is one of the best times to go fishing in Bear Lake. Bear Lake Whitefish, Sculpin, and Cutthroat Trout are the fish to watch out for during spring.

Hit the trails

As the snowpack melts away, the hiking and biking trails around Bear Lake become full of wildflowers and are extra inviting. There might still be a little mud in early spring, but the crisp weather, beautiful views, and heightened chances of spotting wildlife make it all worth it. 

Some of the best spring hiking trails are:

Birdwatching

Photo Credit: Cornell Lab of Ornithology via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

It doesn’t get much better for birdwatchers than a visit to the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge in the springtime. As the migratory birds return to the area, you can watch for Long-billed Curlew, burrowing owls, and Peregrine falcons. 

Boating

Even if the water might be too chilly for a swim, boating on Bear Lake is a popular spring pastime. Especially during Memorial Day weekend! 

Golfing

Photo Credit: Wallpaper Flare via Google Images Creative Commons Licenses

Bear Lake has some excellent golf courses, including the Bear Lake West Golf Course, Bear Lake Golf Course, and the Montpelier Municipal Golf Course. Spring is the perfect time to beat the heat on Bear Lake’s golf courses. 

Spring Events in Bear Lake

Enjoy Bear Lake All Year

Bear Lake offers something truly wonderful year-round. Winter provides a snow-covered wonderland, summer brings long days on the lake, fall brings gorgeous colors, and spring offers an uncrowded Bear Lake and spectacular wildflowers.

No matter what time you visit Bear Lake, you will surely have an incredible stay at your premium, fully-equipped, luxurious rental. Book your Bear Lake getaway today!

An Aerial Guide to the Bear Lake Ropes Course

Are you looking to soar to new heights on your next trip to Bear Lake? If so, you’ll want to explore the Bear Lake Ropes Course at the Bridgerland Adventure Park. Situated in the heart of Garden City, Utah, the park has over 70 exciting elements up to 42 feet tall. This aerial ropes course offers a fun and affordable excursion for everyone in your group.

Photo Credit: Chase-Karli Willden

Book your luxury cabin today, and you’ll be right in the heart of the action for enjoying the beautiful Bear Lake and this exhilarating ropes course.

About the Bridgerland Adventure Park

Photo Credit: Monstar Studio
  • Price: $
  • Address: 722 S First Lgt Dr, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: blap.rocks
  • Open: Seasonal; open from Memorial Weekend through Labor Day Weekend.
  • Hours: Tuesday through Saturday from 9:30 am until 5:30 pm.

The Bear Lake ropes course is located inside Bridgerland Adventure Park in Garden City, Utah, only a skip away from Bear Lake. The park is an exhilarating, family-friendly amusement park with several fun activities in addition to its famous ropes course. 

In addition to the ropes course, Bridgerland Adventure Park has several other fun activities, including”

  • A zip line
  • Free fall 
  • Rock climbing wall
  • Giant swing
  • Axe throwing
  • Bungee tramp
  • Bounce house
  • Miniature golf
  • Kid’s train
  • Tubing. 
  • Free playground 
  • Disc golf course

About the Bear Lake Ropes Course

Photo Credit: David Tadevosian

The shining jewel of Bridgerland Adventure Park is the Bear Lake ropes course. This outside obstacle course has more aerial elements than any other in Utah. 

The Bear Lake ropes course has four different levels, which increase with difficulty as they increase. Each level has 18 elements and takes about 45 minutes to complete. 

Thanks to the level system, the Bear Lakes ropes course is suitable for various ages and skill levels. Younger kids and people scared of heights will do fine on the lower levels, and brave, adrenaline-seeking people will have a blast on the upper levels. 

Here’s a breakdown of the features of each level.

  • Level 1: Includes fun features like pipe multi-vines, a footprint bridge, a tunnel, and a series of ropes to climb through. The elements on this level are at a height lower than the rest. 
  • Level 2: Slightly higher than Level 1 and involves elements like painter’s planks, a ladder traverse, a pirate plank, a climbing traverse, and a tube. 
  • Level 3: Slightly higher and more difficult. It involves a swinging log, climbing pegs, lily pads, a kitten crawl, and a catwalk.
  • Level 4: The highest and most difficult of the levels. It involves difficult elements like a sliding hold climbing traverse, a skywalk, a Burma bridge, and more. 

If you’re curious about the different levels and elements, you can check out images of the different elements on the Bridgerland Ropes Course page. 

What to Know Before You Go

Who can do the Bear Lake Ropes Course?

Photo Credit: David Tadevosian

The Bear Lake ropes course was created to be fun for all fitness levels and people of all ages! With that said, it does have two restrictions. Only kids eight and up can do the ropes course, which has a 275 lb maximum weight limit for participants due to safety reasons. 

How much does it cost?

The Bear Lake ropes course is perfect for affordable family fun. To participate, you purchase a ticket to do two levels of the course. Tickets for two levels cost $13.50 as of the 2023 season. If you want to do all four course levels, you can buy two tickets. 

How much time to spend at the Bear Lake Ropes Course?

Each level of the course has 18 elements, each taking about 2.5 minutes. If you plan to complete two levels, it’ll take you approximately 90 minutes. 

You should plan to spend at least two hours on the Bear Lakes ropes course, which gives you time to go through the safety measures,  get harnessed up, and go through at least two courses. 

If you plan to complete all four levels, it will take you at least three hours. It’s best to plan on only doing two levels, as it gets quite strenuous, and very few park visitors ever complete more than two levels. 

What to bring and wear to the Bear Lake Ropes Course?

To complete the Bear Lake ropes course, you should bring athletic clothing you feel comfortable climbing in. Shoes with a heel strap are required. 

Further, we recommend bringing tennis shoes with at least a little grip. This will make some of the climbing elements easier. We also recommend wearing sunscreen and bringing some water to drink after the course. 

Safety at the Bear Lake Ropes Course

Photo Credit: Monstar Studio

Climbing on a 35 foot aerial ropes course may seem daunting, but rest assured because the Bear Lake ropes course has implemented several safety measures.

  • Harnesses: You won’t be free climbing this aerial course; you’ll be strapped in with a safety harness the entire time. 
  • Helmets: Required on the course at all times, protecting your head. 
  • Trained instructors: You don’t have to brave the Bear Lake ropes course alone! All of the facilitators of the course are well-trained by a certified ropes course trainer. They all know the course and all of its elements inside and out. 
  • Facilitators: There are facilitators perched on each level of the course who can help you with the elements and give instructions. If needed, the facilitators can even go onto the course with you and help you get off the course at any time. 
  • Closed in bad weather: If there are any strong winds, heavy rain, or lightning the course closes.

Enjoy a Bear Lake Aerial Adventure

When you rent a vacation home on Bear Lake, you’ll find that there are plenty of options for adventure. The Bear Lake ropes course is the perfect group bonding experience. We’ll see you in the clouds!

A Visitor’s Guide to Mud Lake, Idaho

Are you looking for a unique outdoor adventure that’s not yet on the radar of other travelers? If so, consider a visit to Mud Lake, on the northern edge of Bear Lake, Idaho. This lesser-known lake may not have much to offer in the way of amenities, but it still offers plenty for those interested in fish and game activities.

If you want to get off the beaten path, Mud Lake, Idaho, is only a short drive from your Bear Lake vacation home.

About Mud Lake, Idaho

Photo Credit: Justin Crook Photography

Mud Lake, Idaho, is a waterbody part of the larger Dingle Marsh wetland system located immediately north of Bear Lake. The Dingle Marsh wetland system, also known as Dingle Swamp, is an 18,000-acre protected refuge. Both Mud Lake and the more popular Bear Lake were once part of a large prehistoric lake that filled the entire valley.

It’s important to note that the majority of the southern half of Mud Lake is closed to entry, as it’s a highly protected part of the refuge. Check the National Park Service’s map to know exactly where you can and can’t go.

Why is it called Mud Lake?

The name “Mud Lake” might not sound appealing at first glance, but it perfectly captures the natural allure of this biologically diverse area of marshland. Mud Lake and its surroundings present a thriving ecosystem with a rich diversity of wildlife. It’s essentially a playground for several types of waterfowl, fish, and various mammals, like jackrabbits, foxes, and coyotes.

Bear Lake’s marshy wetlands

Photo Credit: Chase-Karli Willden

Mud Lake isn’t just unique because of its ecological diversity but also because of its geographical positioning. Mud Lake sits comfortably right on the northern rim of beautiful Bear Lake, creating a striking contrast between the crystal-clear waters of Bear Lake, the marshy wetlands surrounding Mud Lake, and the entirety of the Dingle Swamp.

Why explore Mud Lake?

If you’re visiting Bear Lake in the summer and have a little extra time, exploring the northern part of the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge can be a fun adventure into the more unpolished parts of the area. Mud Lake and the whole Dingle Marsh area have a unique ecosystem and present fantastic opportunities for wildlife spotting, particularly birdwatching!

The Best Time to Visit Mud Lake, Idaho

Mud Lake and the surrounding marshlands can be visited year-round. However, the best time to visit Mud Lake is between early spring and late fall, when temperatures are warmer, and the wildlife is particularly active. Winter can also be an interesting time to visit Mud Lake as mule deer spend their winters here, along with bald eagles and rough-legged hawks.

Driving around Mud Lake in winter can be difficult as many roads become impassable due to icy and snowy conditions. However, this does present opportunities for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Things to do in Mud Lake, Idaho

While Mud Lake doesn’t offer all the amenities of its three-hour south neighbor Bear Lake, you certainly won’t find yourself bored! These are some of the classic activities around the lake.

Birding

Photo Credit: Vinod C L

Mud Lake is truly a paradise for birdwatchers. You can spot Canada geese, northern pintails, and mallards by early springtime.

As temperatures warm up by April and May, even more birds arrive, including Sandhill Cranes preparing to make their nests, Franklin’s gulls, white-faced ibis, herons, egrets, and grebes. There are also several species of ducks, including redheads, canvasbacks, and lesser scaup.

Through spring and summer, all of these species of birds make the marshlands their nesting sites. In late fall and winter, almost all birds prepare to leave as more precipitation comes to the area, and the marshlands start to freeze.

Birding is one of the best reasons to come to Mud Lake, Idaho. To have the best birding experience, bring binoculars and a bird field guide to help you identify the species you see. If you wish to take any photos, bring a long-lens camera. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll also want to bring plenty of insect repellent, as it gets buggy here.

Fishing

Photo Credit: Alexander Lukatskiy

With a valid Idaho fishing license, anglers are allowed to enjoy fishing in Mud Lake’s marshy waters. It’s also not uncommon to fish just north of the Lifton Pumping Station. Check out the Idaho Fishing Planner for more information about current bag limits, special restrictions, and what people are catching.

Hike and Explore the Nearby Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Photo Credit: Margaret.Wiktor

The best opportunities for exploring lie to the far north of Mud Lake, in the heart of the National Wildlife Refuge. Just south of the Salt Meadow Unit are wildlife viewing facilities and ample opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and even horseback riding. If you do wish to hike, keep in mind that many of the trails and roads are only open until January 15th. You can also snowshoe on the trails and roads during that time.

Boating

Photo Credit: digidreamgrafix

Motorized and non-motorized boats are permitted in specific boating areas from September 20th to January 15th. Boat rentals are plentiful around Bear Lake. The canoe trail, which presents a fantastic opportunity for wildlife spotting, is open from July 1st to September 20th.

Hunting

Photo Credit: CHUYKO SERGEY

Hunting is permitted in certain areas surrounding Mud Lake, Idaho. However, only geese, ducks, snipe, mergansers, cottontails, gray partridge, coots, and sage grouse can be hunted. All other species are protected by the refuge.

It’s Time for a Mud Lake Adventure

Mud Lake’s rugged uniqueness is an amazing place to balance Bear Lake’s polished beauty. A Bear Lake vacation home is the perfect home base to explore the biologically diverse wetland surrounding the lake. Book your Bear Lake vacation rental today!

4 Best Restaurants in St. Charles, Idaho

Photo Credit: Senyuk Mykola

St. Charles, Idaho, is a hidden lakeside gem adjacent to the Wasatch Range of the Rocky Mountains. It keeps good company around Bear Lake with the charming towns of Garden City and Fish Haven nearby. Whether you’re visiting for a lakeside getaway or planning on hitting the nearby slopes, one thing is for sure: you’ll need somewhere to refuel during your stay. 

In this guide, we’ll take you through the best restaurants in St. Charles, including where to enjoy great food and stock up on groceries to keep in your Bear Lake Luxury Rental kitchen.

Bear Lake Munchies

Photo Credit: Ezume Images
  • Price: $$
  • Address: 6668 N Beach Rd, St Charles, ID 
  • Website: Bear Lake Munchies
  • What to order: The Dominican-style chicken sandwich.

For one of the best casual dining experiences in St. Charles, you’ll want to stop into Bear Lake Munchies. Bear Lake Munchies is a Caribbean restaurant that specializes in Dominical style sandwiches. 

They’re open every day except for Thursday for lunch and dinner, and don’t expect your typical beach shack either- Bear Lake Munchies is famous for having some of the best sandwiches in the United States! 

Local favorites include the Dominican-style chicken sandwich, quesadillas, and the carne asada torta. The best part? Everything is made from scratch. 

Whether you’re looking to enjoy your sandwiches on one of their picnic tables, order them to-go to eat on the beach, or even take them back to your rental for a fun date night, you’ll love this Caribbean restaurant.

Bear Lake Munchies is located behind North Beach Rentals and Epic Recreation. You won’t want to miss them! 

Float On

Photo Credit: Float On
  • Price: $$
  • Address: 101 N Beach Rd, St. Charles, ID 
  • Website: Float On
  • What to order: The Pineapple Float or Edible Cookie Dough.

If you’re craving a sweet treat after a day out in the sunshine on Bear Lake’s beaches, Float On is the place to be. Located in a cheerful, blue building adorned with pineapple decorations, Float On is the premium ice cream shop in not just St. Charles but all of Bear Lake! 

This sweet creamery doesn’t just stop at traditional ice cream, either. You can take your pick of delicious edible cookie dough or even build your own cookie dough! Some of their cookie dough flavor combinations include the Charlie Brown with Peanut Butter Cup and Reese’s Pieces, and the Belgium, with triple chocolate Belgian Brownie. 

Float On’s specialty is, of course, their floats, and you’ll definitely want to give them a try. One of their most popular is the Pineapple Float, but they also have a Hogwarts Butterbeer Float, Georgia Peach Cobbler Float, and several rotating seasonal floats. 

Bear Cave

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker
  • Price: $
  • Address: 554 Main St, St. Charles, ID 
  • Website: Bear Cave 
  • What to order: A “Pizza Burger” and Tropical Charlie milkshake.

Bear Cave is another one of the best restaurants in St. Charles that specializes in delicious burgers, fries, and milkshakes. At this beloved, locally owned eatery, you can order from the window and either take your food to go back to your rental, to the lake to enjoy on the beach, or take a seat and enjoy at one of their picnic tables on the outdoor patio.

Although Bear Cave is small, they are expanding every year. Just keep in mind that they are seasonal and only open during the summer. 

In addition to burgers, shakes, and fries, Bear Cave also offers tasty snacks like onions and tater tots. Plus,  this St. Charles bistro arguably has the best fry sauce in Idaho and Utah combined! 

Minnetonka Cafe & Market

Photo Credit: MSPhotographic
  • Price: $
  • Address: 194 N Main Street, St. Charles, ID
  • Website: Minnetonka Market & Cafe
  • What to order: A milkshake, and the Chuck Wagon Breakfast Sandwich for breakfast, and a fish basket for dinner.

If you’re craving something other than burgers and fries, you’ll want to check out the Minnetonka Cafe & Market. This cozy, local St. Charles restaurant is open all year long, and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. 

Their breakfast and brunch menu features delicious, classic breakfast plates like the ‘Little Round Up’, which comes with two eggs, hash browns, and toast, the ‘Around The Bend’ biscuits and gravy, and the Busted Bronc Breakfast Burrito. 

For lunch and dinner entrees, Minnetonka Cafe serves sandwiches, burgers, chicken strips, fish and shrimp baskets, and Minnetonka Mix tacos, quesadillas, and chimichangas. 

You can also enjoy tasty appetizers like fries, tots, and onion rings. The adjoining market is also a great place to pick up minor food items and road trip snacks.

While Minnetonka Market & Cafe may look unassuming from their exterior, this little mom n’ pop market and American restaurant is one of the best restaurants in St. Charles. Minnetonka Market & Cafe is open all year long and has some of the best comfort food you can find on the streets of St. Charles.

Nearby Grocer

One of the things we love so much about St. Charles is how peaceful it is. With that said, the tranquility in St. Charles is a tradeoff for some amenities, which means you will have to venture to the nearest town, Montpelier, to get groceries to cook at your luxury rental.

Broulim’s Grocery

It’s only a 20-minute drive from St. Charles to Broulim’s, so you won’t have to go far for groceries and supplies. Broulim’s is a good-sized grocery store and has everything you need to prepare meals during your stay in St. Charles, including a full deli. 

Get Ready to Experience St. Charles

Enjoying St. Charles isn’t just about the scenic beauty but also about savoring the simplicity of life. With these tasty and convenient dining and grocery options, you are all set to stay in one of our luxury rentals and explore one of North America’s oldest lakes.

8 Best Restaurants in Garden City, Utah

Photo Credit: Andrey Bayda

Welcome to the beautiful Garden City, Utah, known for the breathtaking beaches of Bear Lake, exhilarating winter snow sports, hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and more. 

In between all that fun, we know you’re bound to get hungry, so we’ve rounded up the eight best restaurants in Garden City, Utah. 

From cozy diners serving up home-style favorites to fresh, hand-tossed pizza parlors, there are plenty of places to eat in Garden City- unless you choose to cook in the fully-equipped kitchen of your Bear Lake Luxury Rental.

Bear Trapper Restaurant

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker
  • Price: $
  • Address: 216 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: Beartrapperrestaurant.com
  • What to order: French Toast for breakfast and Prime Rib or BBQ-Bacon Cheeseburger for dinner.

If you’re in the mood for classic American food, Bear Trapper Restaurant is a must-visit. This family-friendly Garden City restaurant serves affordable breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a cozy, welcoming environment. 

Enjoy the classics from their breakfast menu, like pancakes, breakfast burritos, and omelets. Later in the day, you can enjoy comforting fried sandwiches, burgers, steaks, pasta, chicken dishes, and various seafood options, including Wild Pacific Salmon, Fresh Idaho Trout, and delicious Coconut Shrimp. 

Also, if you’re craving steak, Bear Trapper Restaurant has as many options as a steakhouse!

Bear Trapper Restaurant is also famed for its friendly staff and is known to be accommodating to larger parties. 

Cody’s Gastro Garage

Photo Credit: MSPhotographic
  • Price: $$
  • Address: 88 S Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: Codysgastrogarage.com
  • What to order: The Carne Asada Quesadilla and Fish n’ Chips.

Cody’s Gastro Garage offers a unique dining experience in their automobile-themed American dining room, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The breakfast menu features omelets, burritos, tasty favorites like breakfast quesadillas, and biscuits and gravy. Cody’s Gastro Garage has several burgers, salads & soups, and quesadillas on their lunch menu. 

For dinner, you can enjoy a variety of entrees, including their Steak Salad, Charbroiled Steak Tenderloin, Beer Battered Fish Basket, sandwiches, quesadillas, and more. 

For delicious food, a unique atmosphere, and friendly service, Cody’s Gastro Garage is an excellent restaurant in Garden City.

Firehouse Pizzeria

Photo Credit: Willis Lam via Flickr CC2.0

Firehouse Pizzeria really blows it out of the water when it comes to delicious pizzas and Italian comfort food. Its rustic, cozy ambiance makes it a great spot for families, friends, and date nights alike. 

However, the real specialties here are their mouthwatering, stone-fired, oven-cooked pizzas. They have tons of toppings available, and you can also order custom pizzas like the Ratatouille Pizza, Cowboy Pizza, and the famous Firehouse Combo Pizza. 

In addition to pizzas, you can also enjoy calzones, pasta, and cedar-baked sandwiches. You can also kick off dinner with some of their delicious appetizers, including garlic bread, focaccia, and spinach artichoke dip. This Italian Restaurant also has a gluten-free pizza crust available. 

Hometown Drive-In

Photo Credit: mikeledray
  • Price: $$
  • Address: 105 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: HtBearLake.com
  • What to order: The Mamma Bear Lunch Combo.

Hometown Drive-In is an infamous Garden City Restaurant serving some of Utah’s best fries, shakes, and burgers. 

Their menu includes a few different types of burgers, as well as chicken, ham, Philly steak, pastrami sandwiches, fish n’ chips, chicken nuggets, milkshakes, soft drinks, and fries, all at a super affordable price point. It’s the perfect Garden City takeout option!

The Burger Barn

Photo Credit: Brent Hofacker
  • Price: $
  • Address: 28 Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: The Burger Barn
  • What to order: A burger with ‘The Works’ and French Fries.

Another Garden City local favorite is the Burger Barn, located right in the heart of Raspberry Square, inside a fully refurbished, shiny red barn. The restaurant is family owned and operated, family-friendly, and has a large outdoor seating area with picnic tables.

Service at the Burger Barn is speedy and friendly, making it one of the best places to fuel up on a hot summer day if you’re looking for a quick and satisfying bite. This little fast food burger joint is open during the summer season and slings fresh burgers, hot dogs, fish n’ chips, fries, and of course, milkshakes.

Crepes and Coffee

Photo Credit: Chatham172
  • Price: $$
  • Address: 235 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: Crepes and Coffee Facebook Page
  • What to order: A Raspberry Crepe or Pesto Pleasure and a latte.

Crepes and Coffee is a unique addition to the Garden City restaurant scene that offers some of the best breakfast and brunch options on Bear Lake.

Crepes and Coffee specialize in light, fluffy, European-style crepes. They offer a mix of breakfast options, paninis, and savory and sweet crepes. For a filling breakfast, you can order the Popeye Crepe, complete with ham, egg, tomatoes, and spinach. Savory crepes include delicious combinations with the freshest ingredients, like The Pesto Pleasure, which has pesto, turkey breast, mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes. 

This Garden City breakfast joint also has some of the best coffee in town. Lattes, Macchiatos, Chai Teas, blended coffee drinks, you name it, they have it!

This Garden City restaurant is very good and quite popular, so we recommend either going early or be prepared to wait 20 to 30 minutes for your breakfast when they’re busy. It’s definitely worth the wait.

Cafe Sabor

Photo Credit: Teri Virbickis
  • Price: $$
  • Address: 82 N. Bear Lake Blvd. Garden City, UT 
  • Website: Cafesabor.com
  • What to order: The Carne Asada Burrito and Fish Tacos. 

If you’re craving Mexican food in Garden City, pay a visit to Cafe Sabor. This tasty Mexican restaurant offers a variety of delicious options, from quesadillas and fajitas to tasty seafood options like Diablo Shrimp and Grilled Salmon. 

They’re also family-friendly, have special late night summer hours, and take online orders so you can order takeout back to your Bear Lake rental.

Zipz Bear Lake

Photo Credit: Doug Miles
  • Price: $
  • Address: 75 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 
  • Website: Zipzbearlake.com
  • What to order: The Bear Lake Muenster Burger, the Coconut Shrimp Basket, and a Disney-inspired Pineapple Dole Whip.

Zipz Bear Lake is another fantastic Garden City Restaurant option open between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Located right on the lakefront, they serve burgers, fries, sandwiches, shakes, and even a summer berry salad. They also have options for the little ones- kids can enjoy either grilled cheese or chicken nuggets with fries.

Zipz Bear Lake has limited outdoor seating on their nautical patio, surrounded by colorful water skis giving the illusion that you’re enjoying your food on the boat.

Garden City Grocery Stores

All of our homes at Bear Lake Luxury Rentals are outfitted with fully-equipped kitchens with everything you need to whip up a delicious meal; you’ll just have to pick up some groceries first from one of two Garden City grocery stores. 

Mike’s Market

Photo Credit: Mikes Market

Address: 557 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 

Mike’s Market is the most popular grocery store in town and has a huge selection of groceries, including produce, meat, and dairy. 

Bear Lake Market

Photo Credit: Bear Lake Market

Address: 25 N Bear Lake Blvd, Garden City, UT 

Bear Lake Market is the other grocery store in Garden City, and while they do have a decent selection and are quite cozy, they are known to be a bit more expensive than Mike’s. 

Enjoy The Eats in Garden City, Utah

There you have it, our tour of seven fantastic Garden City eateries to visit during your Bear Lake adventure. With options ranging from comforting American classics to delightful crepes and coffee, you’ll be all set for food during your stay in one of our premium Bear Lake vacation homes.

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